This Cervical Cancer Prevention Week, Yasmin Qureshi MP pledged her support as Labour’s Shadow Women and Equalities Minister to Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust, which is calling for action to eliminate cervical cancer in the UK.

Cervical cancer currently kills two women in the UK every day and the charity is calling for action, innovation, and awareness to help end cervical cancer.

Yasmin Qureshi MP is supporting Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust, by encouraging women in her constituency to attend their cervical screening when invited, and by supporting the efforts of the HPV immunisation programme.  In her shadow ministerial brief, she is increasingly concerned with health inequalities amongst lower socio-economic areas and those from ethnic minority backgrounds, and breaking down any barriers that exist.

In Jo Cervical Cancer Trust’s latest report, the UK’s leading cervical cancer charity found that only 17% of health professionals working across cervical cancer prevention think enough is currently being done to eliminate cervical cancer in the UK.  Only 20% think enough is being done to ensure high levels of HPV vaccine uptake, and just 16% believe that enough is being done to support cervical screening uptake.

Yasmin Qureshi MP said:

“We have the opportunity to effectively consign a form of cancer to the history books. Cervical screening and HPV vaccines can both help prevent cervical cancer, and I would encourage everyone who can to make use of these amazing cancer prevention tools.

Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust recognises that attending a screening isn’t always easy, but they are there for you with information and support if you ever need them.”

Samantha Dixon, Chief Executive at Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust said:

“A world without cervical cancer doesn’t have to be a pipe dream.  The UK has the tools to make it a reality which is incredibly exciting.  We need Government action to get there as soon as possible, but everyone can play their part.  Going for cervical screening when invited, and making sure your child is vaccinated against HPV, will help make cervical cancer a thing of the past.

“We must also continue to invest in research, improve access to treatments, and banish the stigma and blame that too often comes with a cervical cancer diagnosis.  Being forward looking should not mean those living with and beyond cancer get left behind.”

To get involved with Cervical Cancer Prevention Week, and the #WeCan End Cervical Cancer campaign, follow Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust on social media or visit the website at jostrust.org.uk

-Ends-

For interviews, further comment or case studies, contact: media@jostrust.org.uk or call 07772 290 064 or 07800 825 051.

Notes to editors

• Cervical Cancer Prevention Week runs from 23-29 January 2023 and Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust is launching its biggest ever campaign – to End Cervical Cancer. Join in to raise awareness of HPV vaccination and cervical screening, call for Government action, and take up your own invites. www.jostrust.org.uk/ccpw
• Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust is the UK’s leading cervical cancer charity, providing information and support to anyone affected, and campaigning for excellence in cervical cancer treatment, care, and prevention. Its national Helpline is free, confidential, and available on 0808 802 8000. www.jostrust.org.uk
• Jo’s collaborated with Hogarth Worldwide, part of WPP on a pro bono basis to develop the We Can campaign to End Cervical Cancer  https://youtu.be/MzPympAGFfU
• Research consisted of a survey of 848 individuals working within cervical cancer and treatment. This includes practice nurses, clinical nurse specialists, biomedical scientists, radiographers, oncologists, and researchers.